El Fasher violence in Sudan shows hallmarks of genocide

UN-backed experts reported that an October campaign by the Rapid Support Forces in and around El Fasher displayed hallmarks of genocide, with evidence of ethnically targeted killings and other atrocities; a formal genocide determination must be made by an international tribunal.

UN-backed human rights experts reported that an October operation by the Rapid Support Forces in and around El Fasher, in Sudan's Darfur region, showed what the team described as hallmarks of genocide. The fact-finding mission said the campaign targeted non-Arab communities, in particular the Zaghawa and Fur, after an 18-month siege. The report follows a wider conflict that began in April 2023 between the RSF and Sudan's military. The team called for accountability and said civilian protection is needed. Key findings: - The fact-finding team reported that the RSF operation in El Fasher involved ethnically targeted violence and described the pattern as bearing hallmarks of genocide. - UN officials reported that several thousand civilians were killed during the RSF takeover and that many residents fled or remain unaccounted for. - The report found evidence meeting at least three criteria of the Genocide Convention and said a formal determination must be made by an international tribunal; the team called for accountability. Summary: The report concludes that evidence from El Fasher meets several criteria of the Genocide Convention and documents large-scale loss of life and displacement. A formal legal determination of genocide falls to an international tribunal. Undetermined at this time.